The Queen's University showcase of work being carried out across several of the disciplines taught there shows the importance of having world-class research on our doorsteps.

While some of the work is literally out of this world – including how to prevent an asteroid colliding with Earth – most of it produces results in the worlds of health, engineering and industry.

Far from being an ivory tower, the university is connecting with hospitals, building firms and government agencies to improve the quality of life for people or provide economy-boosting industrial innovation.

In today's world it is this knowledge economy which is vital to the future prosperity of the province.